Concrete Arrows Guided America's First Airmail Pilots

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Long before modern navigation technology, America's first airmail pilots relied on a network of giant concrete arrows poured directly into the ground to guide them across the country. These arrows were part of the Transcontinental Air Mail Route, a pioneering aviation system that helped connect the United States by air in the 1920s. Although most have been abandoned, hundreds of the concrete arrows still exist today, especially in remote areas, serving as physical reminders of aviation's early days.

Why it matters

The concrete arrows were a critical part of establishing reliable airmail service across the country when flying was still a risky and experimental endeavor. They represent an important chapter in the history of American aviation and transportation, demonstrating the government's innovative efforts to make long-distance air travel feasible.

The details

The concrete arrows, typically 20-70 feet long and originally painted bright yellow, were oriented to point pilots toward the next landing field or beacon. At the tip or base of many arrows stood a steel airway beacon tower with a rotating light visible for miles at night. This network of more than 1,500 lighted beacons, spaced roughly 10-15 miles apart, allowed pilots to navigate from beacon to beacon, essentially creating an early 'aerial highway'.

• The U.S. Post Office launched regular airmail service in the early 1920s.
• The concrete arrow system was abandoned in the 1930s as radio navigation and modern aviation technology took over.